Ultrasonic detection of complications following umbilical arterial catheterization in the neonate.

Seventy-one neonates with umbilical arterial catheters received serial real-time ultrasound examinations in order that the identification and natural history of catheter-associated thrombosis could be prospectively evaluated. Twelve (17%) of the infants had clinically evident signs of vascular compromise. Ultrasound detected abnormal intravascular echoes or lack of expansile pulsation in 10 of these 12 (83%). Abnormal echogenic foci were consistent with thrombus and intimal dissection. Two infants without clinical evidence of vascular compromise had ultrasonic findings consistent with thrombus. The ultrasonically detected abnormalities persisted from two to 70 days.